Clay-cutting apparatus



June 8,1928. 1,588,018

A. v. A. FITZ CLAY CUTTI NG APPARATUS Filed May 27, L925 10 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVEftlTOR v v nrxk June 8 1926.

- 1,588,018 A. v. A. FITZ CLAY CUT-TI NG APPARATUS Filed May 27 1925 10 sheets sheet 2 INVENTOR June 8,1926. V A 1,588,018,

u v.AA. Frrz CLAY CUTTI NG APPARATUS INVENTOR June 8, 1926. I 1,588,018.

. A. v. A. FITZ CLAY CUTTING APPARATUS Filed May 27, 192$: 10 Sheets-Sheet 4 mvENTpR RMVX-kFW u. R

'- wwm June 8 1926, 1,588,018 v A. A. EITZ CLAY CUTTING APPARATUS Filed May 27, 1925 l0 Sheet S-S heet -5 June 8 1926. 1,588,018

7 A. v. A. FITZ CLAY CUTTING APPARATUS Filed May 27. 1925 10 Sheets-Sheet 6 v .msrofi- RMMVLP L F' mgflu u INVENTOR 1925 10 sheetssheet v A. 'V.- A, FITZ CIJAY CUTTING KPPARATUS Filed May. 27,

(lime 8 1 926.

I June 8 1926;

v 1,588,018 A. V. A. FITZ CLAY CUTTING APPARATUS' Fil ed May 27, 1925 l0 Sheets-Sheet..,

' June 8,1926. I 1,588,018

A. V. A. FITZ CLAY CUTTING APPARATUS Filed May 27, 1925 l0 Sheets-Sheet 9 wAQ-PM June 8 1926.

A. V. A. FITZ CLAY CUTTING APPARATUS Filed May 27, 1925 10 Sheets-Sheet 10 Patented June 8, 1926.

UNITED .sra'ras PRODUCTS COMPANY, Inc; or so'u' rn NEW JERSEY.

ARTHUR v. A. EI'rz, F SOUTI-I'RIVER, NEW JERsEY, ,AssiGnoR 'ro AMERieAiT thei RiVEE-N'EW JERSEY; A communion or" CLAY-OUTTiNG APPARATUS.

Application filed May 27, 192 5. Serial- No. aaislt and many other factors. As a result, even though the auger machine'is operating at a regular speed, the velocity of the moving stream varies over awide range. I provide a measuring device contacting with the moving clay and adapted to. actuate a cutter at intervals corresponding to desired amounts.

of movement of the clay body. The action of the cut-ting meansis thus dependent upon the amount of movement of the clay body itself and notupon any predetermined time interval. Preferably, a plurality of spaced cutting means-are used sothat a number of clay articles can be cut from the moving stream at one operation.

In order to make a square out, as is gener-- ally required-,the cutting means are mounted on a moving table over which the clay stream travels. The table is normally held ina position adjacent the auger machine, and the of the clay. After the cut is completed the table is returned to its normal position and held there awaiting the next operation.

The cutting means preferably comprises one or more cutting wires, which are so arranged that'on the cutting operation they not only move sidewisethrough the clay, but their inclination also changes materially from the same mechanism as that controlling This is desirable since the out is initiatedv the movement 'thetable since the cutting 'v 7 action is desired to take place only when the table is in motion. 1 therefore provi-de a mechanism adapted to .be trippedat intervals by v the measuring device and permitting V movement of the table in one direction with the clay, and also effecting its automatic re-v 7 turn and themovementof the cutting means during the free travel of the table. Iii-the accompanying drawings Figure 1 is atop plan view ofan auger machine showing the present preferred" e-mbodiment of. my invention applied thereto;

Figure 2 is a side elev'atio'n-ofthe 'apfparatus shown inFigure -1,withthe actuating mechanism removed r Figure 3 is a view,. artly broken, away, on the'line III- 111 of Figure 2; i Figure l is a perspective view of-the cut ting meansj 7 Figure 5 atingv lever and associated mechanism for operating the cutting means;

'Figure 6 is a top plan view of ating mechanism;

the act-ui'atus shown in Figure 6; Fi ure 8 is an end elevation of the ap aratus shown in Figure 6; Figure 9 isa' perspective view of atripping apparatus used in-the actuating device; Figure1 0 is a side elevationof one of the ratchet'wheels employed; 7 I Figure ll'is a section on the line 'XI-XI of Figure 10; I Figure 12 is a top plan view of the mea's-' uring device; v T a 1 Figure 13 is a section on'th'e line XIII XIII of Figure 12; 1 I Figure 14' is a side elevation-of a portion of the apparatus shownin' Figure12, and Figure 15 is a wiring diagram. In the illustrated embodiment of'the invention there i's'shown an auger machine of the customary'type indicated generally by the reference character 2. Material is fed through a hopper'aandissues in a stream through thedie' l'. The drawings's'h'ow the aug rv machine as producing hollow tile but it will be understood thatthis is merely by way of example. i 1 As the clay stream issues from the die 4:

' it passes over a. stationary table 5. Mounted above the issuing clay stream, so as to bear upon the clay above the table 5,'1s a measuris a perspective viewof the actuc Figure 7 is'a side elevation of the appai ng' device indicated generally by the reference character 6, and which will hereinafter ary table 5 and ontoa moving table, lIIdl.

cated generally by the reference character 10. The tableql0 is provided with wheels 11 moving on tracks 12, and is provided with a cutting frame which is effective for cutting the clay into blocks and which will behereinafter fully described. The table 10 is provided at the end remote from the augermachine with a plate 13 which lies over a belt conveyor 14 regardless of the position on the moving table 10. The table 10 is normally held in the position of Figure' 2 until the measuring device 6 releases the same and permits it to move toward the belt conveyor 14. Movement of the table is caused by the friction of the moving clay stream indicated by C, this being materially assisted at the beginning of the stroke by a counterweight 10*. During themovement of the table toward the belt conveyor the stream is cutinto blocks B by the cutters and these blocks are pushed across the plate 13 and onto the belt conveyor 14L by the advancing stream of clay. After the table completes its stroke it is returned to the normal position until it is again actuat- I ed by the measuring device 6.

The construction of the cutting mechanism is best illustrated in Figures 3 and 4. The table 10 comprises side rails 15 con-- nected by top plates 16 which are slightly spaced apart to allow room for cutting wires 17. The cutting wires 17 are all connected below the table to a bar 18 which is pivotally mounted on brackets 19 at each en'dof the cutting mechanism. The wires are connected at their upper ends to hooks 20 which are, in turn, connected to a framework made up of two parallel bars 21 secured together by blocks 22. The blocks 22 are pivotally mounted on bearing blocks 23. The hooks 20 are provided with compres sion springs 24 andthumb nuts 25 so that the wires 17 can be placed under any desired tension. 2

The brackets 19 are secured to a pair of parallel horizontal frame members 26 which are secured together by tie-rods 527 and diagonal braces 28 so as to provide a substantial and rigid bottom frame. The framemembers 26 are movable back and .forth with respect to the table 10 being 26 are turned up and are drilled to form bearings for a pair of generally U-shape members 31 which are held in place by collars 32. The arms of the U -shape members are pivotally connected at their upper ends by bars 33 which carry the bearing blocks 23. As will be seen from Figure 3, the pivotpoints of the U-shape members '31 in the frame members 26 and the bar 18 on the bracket 19 all lie in a straight line, and similarly, the pivot points of the U-shape members 31 with the bars 33 and also the pivot points of the blocks 22 in the blocks 23 lie in a parallel line." The structure. therefore, is a parallelogram and the U- shape member may be rotated without altering the tension of the cutting wires 17.

A pair of arms 34 extends downwardly from one of the bars 21, and a member 35 is connected to the bottoms of these arms. The

bar 34 is provided with oppositely directed slots 36 engaging the several cutting wires 1'4". This arrangement causes the upper framework carrying the hooks 2O to swing back and forth as the arms of the U-shape a link 38 to the bracket 30 on the side rail 15 of the movable carriage 10. This causes the cutting mechanism just described to move in a definite course when the U-shape members 31 are rotated in the frame members 26, the movement being a combination of sidewise movement of the entire cutting frame and rotation of the various parts about their pivot points so that, at one end of its stroke, the cutting-mechanism lies to one side of the table 15 and inclined as shown in Figure 3, while at the other end of its stroke the cutting mechanism lies on the opposite side with the members inclined in the other direction. This movement throws the cutting wire from one side of the claystream C to the other side'and results in a complete. severance of a block from the stream, and it will be seen that with the apparatus initially positioned as shown in Figure 3 the cut will start at the corner a and terminate at the corner. 7). This is highly desirable in cutting green clay, especially if hollow tile or'the like is be ing made, since it minimizes any tendency of the cutting wire to tear out portions of the side wall or to distort the clay stream, as occurs where a straight out is attempted.

In orderto firmly hold the clay stream against sidewise movement during the cutting operation guides 39 of any desired type are provided.

The 'movement of the cutting frame is accomplished through a lever 40 which is provided with a slotted upper end 41 engaging a cross bar 42 secured to one of the Ufshape members 31. The lever is mounted on a shaft 43 which is rocked back of the lever with the table-10. A pair of arms 46 project upwardly from the shaft'43 and on these arms are'mounted a pair'of bearing plates 47 between which is placed a roller bearing 48 mounted on the lever 40. It will be seen that rotationof. the shaft 43 in one direction or the other will be communicated to the lever40 through the plates 47 and will cause movement of the cutting frame in one direction or the other independently of the movement-of the carriage along the tracks 12. V r

The movement of the cutting frame and of the table 10 is accomplished by a mechanism indicated generally by the reference character 49 and shown indetai-l in Figures 6 to. 11, inclusive. This mechanism c0mprises a drive shaft 50 connected to any convenient source of power, such, for example, as a shaft 51 forming apportion of the auger machine 2, thes'haft 51 being-connected to'the drive shaft 50 through a universal connection 52. The drive shaft5l is connected to a shaft 53 through reducing gears 54. This shaft also carries one of a tive for returning the same to its normal position. The mechanism associated with the shaft 56 wil-lbe first described as the mechanism connected with the shaft 53. is dependent upon the movement of the table as will be hereinafter described.

The shaft 56 has keyed thereon a ratchetv wheel 57 and has mounted loosely-thereon a crank disk 58' The crank disk 58'. carries a pin 59 on which is pivoted a pawl 60 which is urged into engagement with the teeth of I the ratchet wheel 57 by a spring. 61.- The crank disk 58-is normally held in the position of Figure 7 by a detent 62. which' is carried on a frame 63- and fits into a notch 64 in the rim of the crank disk 58. An axially movable pin 65 is provided in the v 7 frame 63 and one end of this pin projects into the plane of the ratchet wheel 57's0 as to engagethe pawl 60'.-

pawl 60 is provided with a tail portion 66 which contacts engagement with 'the ratchet Wheel *57 against the action of thespring 61. If the with the pin 65 andholdsthe pawl out of 5 pin 65 is withdrawn the pawl-6O engages the ratchet wheel 57 and the rotating shaft I 56 turns'the crank disk 58. V-

The crank disk 58 is provided with a crank pin 67 011 whichis mounted a block 68 fitting into a Scotch yoke 69. Theyoke 69 moves in bearings 70'and'is provided with w a crank pin 71. The pin 71 is surrounded by the slotted portion 72 of a link 72 which is attached to a lever 73 :carried on a shaft 74.

The shaft 74 is supplied with a coupling .fiange 75 for connection with a correspond ing flange 76 secured to a shaft 77-(Figure 1-). The shaft 77 carriesa lever 78 which is connected to the table 10 by a link 79.--

It will be seen, therefore, that if the lever 73 is free'tomove to the right, as viewed in Figure 7 ,the table 10 will be free to move with the stream of clay away from the auger machine, and that if the lever 73 is moved to the left, as viewed inFigure 7, it will cause a return movement of the table 10.

The slotted portion 72 of the link 72 is of,

vided with a portion 83 adapted. to be en lilll gaged by'a catch 84 so as to normally hold the lever 73 in the position of Figure 7 and thus hold the table 10 against movement.

The catch 84 is pivoted at 85 and is connected to a core 86 of a solenoid magnet from the measuring device 6. For the present it will be sufficient to state thatthe winding 37 is normally energized, thus holding the core 86 to the position shown and insuring that the catch 84 engages the per-- tion 83 and holds the table against move,

ment. The core 86 is connected to the catch comprising awinding 87 and a Winding V which are energized as hereinafter described 84 by a .rod 89 carrying a spring 90.- I

When it is 'desired to permit movement of the table for cutting thetclg, the winding 88 isenergized and the winding 87 18 deenergized,'thus causing the core S6to move downwardly. The nuts 90 on the rod. 89 then strike the catch 84 andlift it out of engagement with the portion 83 of the block 81, freeing the lever 73 and permitting the table 10-to move away from. the auger ma chine, this movement being accomplished by the clay stream. I

As the table '10 moves away from the auger machine the block 81, moves to right, as viewed in Figure 7, and almost at the beginning of its travel engages a pawl 91 which is effective for setting the cutting frame into operation through mechanism to be her 'uafter described. For the present it is sufficientto state that the cut ting mcchanism operated through this trip during the movement of the table away from the auger machine and independently in: to one arm of a bell crank 95. The other arm of the bell crank is slotted and engagesthe neck portion of a rod 96 which lies below and substantially parallel with the rod 65. The rod 65 is provided with a depending slotted portion 97 which engages the rod 96. When the block 81 strikes the upper end of the lever 92 the rod 65 is moved endwise a sufficient amount to clear the tail portion 66 of the pawl 60 and permit the pawl to engage the ratchet wheel and cause rotation of the crank disk 58. It will be understood that at this time the lever '73 is to the right, as viewed in Figure 7, and the left hand end of the slotted link 72 is adjacent the crank pin 71. As the crank disk turns the crank pin 71 engages the end of the link 72 and moves the lever 73 back to its position of Figure 7, thus moving the table 10 back to its normal position and permitting the catch 84 to engage the block 81 and hold the table to its normal position. The rotation of the crank'disk, however, continues until the crank pin 71 has been returned to its normal, position of Figure 7.

Of course, as soon as the return movement of the block 81 commences the lever 99: 1S freed. A. spring 98 (Figure 6) bearing against the end of the rod 96 returns the lever mechanism to its normal position, thus moving the projecting end of the pin back into the plane of the ratchet wheel and causing disengagement of the pawl 60 there from. The detent 62 is provided to stop the motion of the crank disk 58 and to hold the parts in normalposition pending another table movement, and provision is made for absorbing the shocks incident to the rapid- -with the lug 57 at a single stroke.

the other end of the lever urges the detent 62 against the crank disk 58. The spring 108 permits pivoting of the. frame 63 about the pin 99 as is necessary to free the crank brought to a smooth stop without shock.

There is an occasional tendency. for the crank disk .to jump over the detent and make an additional stroke, but this is effectually prevented by providing a hook 104 on the end of the tail portion 66 of the pawl 60. Even if the detent should fail to stop the crank disk the positive engagement of the hook 104 with the projecting rod 65 effectually brings the crankdisk to a stop and then as the detent settles into the groove 6 1 the hook 104 is backed away slightly from the pin 65 to permit free withdrawal of the same on the next stroke. I

To further reduce the shocks incident to starting and stopping the ratchet wheel 57 is made in two parts, as shown in Figures 10 and 11. The inner portion 57 is keyed to the shaft and has asmooth flanged perimeter which carries the ratchet ring 57", lugs 57 being provided for holding the parts in proper relation. A pin 57 is provided on the ratchet ring 57 and a correspondinglug 57 is provided on the portion- 57 so as to provide a positive drive between the two parts. A spring 57 normally urges the pin 57 ahead of the lug 57 so that when the ratchet wheel is first engaged by the pawl 60 the spring 57 is placed under'increased tension and the movement is well under way before a positive drive is secured through the pin 57 coming into contact When the pawl is released from the ratchet wheel the spring 57 moves the ratchet ring 57 ahead for the next stroke.

Referring now to the mechanism for oper-' ating the cutting frame. This mechanism is, in many respects, similar to that just described for the operation of the table '10 and comprises a ratchet wheel 57 on the shaft 53 and a crank disk 58' adapted to be driven through the ratchet wheel 57 by pawls 60. 0

Two notches 64. are provided in the crank disk 58 as it makes only a half revolution The pawls 60 are con-- nected together by a link 105 so that when the lower pawl is released by its tail portion 66 coming in contact with the pin 65 the upper pawl will also be released.

The crank disk 58 is provided with a Scotch yoke 106 operating in bearings 10? andprovided with a head 108 having a number of holes 109 drilled therein to acplished through the black 81 engaging the trip 91. The trip 91 ispivoted' at112 on a lever 113 which in turn is pivoted atjlld.

Y The trip 91 is provided with a depending portion 115 whose weight normally urges the trip to the position of Figure 7, and

which also serves for engaging a stop 116. lvhen the movement ofthe block 81 to the right commences by reason of the release of the catch 84, the lever 113 is rotated around its pivot point 114 and theportion 115 moves to the right until it is engaged by the stop 116. WVhen this occurs the trip 91 is freed from the block 81 and the lever 113is released. The movement ofthe lever, however, is communicated -.through a link 117 to a lever 118 which operates a mechanism similar tothat above described in connection with the lever 92 and similar parts have'therefore been marked with the same reference characters having a prime.

attached thereto.v I i Obviously, the Withdrawal of the pinwill set the crank disk 58 into operation and cause a movement of-the lever 111 to; the right or to the left according to the initial position of the Scotch yoke 106. The stroke of the lever 111 may be varied "somewhat by the provision of the holes 109 and similar holes in the lever 111, and-it will be seen that the cutting frame is thus moved to one side or the other a desired amount.

A complete. cycle of operation would be as follows: Assuming that the table '10 is in normal position and the {cutting frame is lying toward the right hand side of the table at a time determined by the measuring device 6 the block 81 is released and the table 10. commences to-move away from the auger machine 2. This actuates the trip 91 and the crank disk 58 is effective for swinging the cutting frame to the left hand side of the table, thus cutting the clay into blocks. The table 10 is returned to its nor-z nial position with the cutting frame still lying on the left hand side of the table and on the next movement of the apparatus the table is moved from left to right and makes a cut in that direction. v

Mechanism similar-to that employed in connection with the crank disk 58 is em? ployed in connection Wlilf the crank disitv .58 to overcome shocks, and further provision is made in springs 119 secured to the arm as. \Vhen the cutting frame nears the end of its stroke one or the other 'of'these springs is placed under considerable tension and is thus effective for slowing down the movement of the cutting frame and bring 7 ing' it to a stop without shock. This tension spring is further effective for assisting the drive mechanism when; the next. cut .is I

initiated.

The apparatus above described is effective v for releasing the movi-ng'table 10 and cans "ing' a stroke of the cuttingframe whenever the block 81 is released; and is'further ef feetive for returningthe parts tothe'ir nor v mal position pending another release 'ofthe block; The rneasuri-ng'device' 6 which effects this release. is. shown in detail in Figures 12 .to 15, inclusive 'It comprises almeasura ing Wheel 120 mounted on a shaft 121 and rotated by reasonof contact with the ad vancingrstream of clay. Obviously, its pe ripheral speed will be'the same as the speed of the clay and, as above described, itis important to time the mechanism in ac cordan'ce with the amount of movement of the clay stream rather than at any p1 "ede-= termined time intervals. a .i The shaft 121 has] mounted thereon any noid 122 which is paired with a correspond{ ing conoid 123. The conoid 123 is mounted on a:- shaft 124 which is mounted ina frame, 3 i

125. The frame 125 is pivoted fer move: ment about a horizontal .axis' at126 and the conold 123- isurgred against the eenoid' '122 by springs 127. The pivotal mounting of the frame 125 is in a frame 128 which is secured to the base place- 129 by a pivot 'connection130 and a wing nut 13-1 apes-at:

ing in aslot'132 in thebase 129. By loosen ing the wing nut 131 and managin frame 128" around it'spivot the coiiofid 123 can be caused to occupy desired pesiti'oii between the solid line and the chain positions shown Figure and musse cure, within limits; any? desiredspeed-ratio between the shaft 121"a-nd the shaft .124. The shaft 124 carries" as -witch spare-ting cani- 13-3 as bests'hevvn in Figure 132; This cam opera-tes a' plunger-134 which is'inioiinted in a bracket 135 secured tobut insulated from the base 129; Pivotedin the bracket. 13 5- is a switch arm 136 previdedwi-tn e. pivoted. 'li-nk' 137 on which. is 'slidabl v mounted a bearing block 138. spring 139- constantly urges the bearing block 138 away from the pivotal comedian-between the swi tcli arm 136 and linl 137. With the parts in the position shown'inFigu're 13-the switch arm 1 36 is being urged upwardly by the spring 139',- its upwardmovementbe ing'iimited by one of apairjof stop.screws 14: 0. In this position-the switch arm 0011- tacts with a terminal-141', ,Whic'h terminal is, mounts-cronbleekiiea ef insulating niae teriaL- It "will be" clear that when the plunger 134 isfdepressed by the flannel-3 7 'vvjfll rotate abeut'i'ts pivetpbmt,

and: compress the spring 139 'unti l the 1m]:

1e7- isrotated beyend thelinefdf the switch 7, switch arm 136, throwing it downwardly 136." At that time the expansion of the spring 139 will impart a snap action to the and into contact with aterminal143 which is also mounted on the block 142. The

switch arm is held in the lower position until the cam 133 is rotated to a point where the cam portion 133 passes over the plunger. At that time a spring 144, which I is relatively stronger than the spring 139,

7 end of the winding 88 and the other end of the winding 88 is connected to one end of the winding 87 as indicated at 148; The

other end of the winding 87 is connected back to the power source by a wire 149 so that a constant circuit for both windings is provided. A branch wire 150 leads from the wire 149 to the switch terminal 141 and a wire 151 leads from the point 148 at the junction ofthe two coil windings to the switch terminal 152 which is grounded on thebracket '135. With the switch arm in the lower position, as shown in Figure 15, it' will be seen that the path provided by the wire 146, the switch terminal 143, the terminal 152 and the wire 151 oifers less resistance than the path through the winding 88. In other words, the winding 88 will be short. circuited with the switch arm in the lower position and the winding 87 alone will be effective for attracting the core 86. If the switch arm is reversed the winding 87 will-be short circuited and the winding 88 will pull the core 86 downwardly and permit movement of the moving table 10. I have found that it is far more desirable. to short circuit a coil by the arrangement shownin Figure 15 than it is toswitch current off and on at intervals. The arrangement shown eliminates arcing of the switch points and is highly satisfactory especially for rapid operation. 7

Obviously, the core 86 can be actuated at any desired interval and this interval may be readily changed by varying the relative position of the conoids 122 and 123. It is therefore possible to determine the length of the block out from the leading end ofthe clay stream by properly positioning the conoid 123 while, of course, the length 'of the remaining blocks which are cut at any operation of the cutting frame is determined by the spacing of the wires 17. Referring to Figure 4 it will be seen that the cutting frame has been placed in operation at a time when the advancing end of the clay stream has progressed a few inches beyond the first cutting wire 17. This'is desirable in many-operations where the green blocks are piled on top of one another for drying. On the trucks ordinarily used for the steam drying step the blocks are piled three deep and their weight is such that when the blocks contract, due to the steam heating, the clay which is in contact with the truck is generally broken up. The small section cut off from the headof the advancing stream at every stroke of the cutting table with a setting of the measuring device corresponding to a out such as shown in Figure 4 provides what is known as a ring on which the full sized blocks may be placed for the drying operation. During the steaming process this ring is broken up into small pieces but it preserves the blocks against injury.

If desired, of course, the conoid 123 may be so placed that the clay will advance beyond the leading wire 1.? the length of a complete block before the cutting frame is set in motion. Under such conditions the apparatus shown is effective for cutting four complete blocks and, of course, the arrangement of the cutting wires may be changed as desired. I v v The word clay as used herein is used as a word of general definition and not of lims itation, and is intended to include all-plastic materials of the, same general nature, to which the machine may be readily applied, as will be apparent. I

While I have shown a preferred form of the invention it will be understood that it is not limited to this form since it may be otherwise embodied within the scope of the following claims.

I claim:

1. Apparatus for cutting a moving clay body, including a carriage movable from a normal position with the clay to. be cut, means for holding the carriage in such normal position, means operated in accordance wvith the movement of the clay for releasing the carriage to permit travel with the clay, a cutter mounted on the carriage, means for automatically operating the cutter during the movement of the carriage,and means for automatically returning the carriageto its normal position after the cutter has operated. r

2. Apparatus. for cutting a moving clay.

body, including a carriage movable from anormal position with the clay to be cut,a cutter mounted on the carriage, means for holding the carriage 1n 1ts normal position,

'means for measuring the advance of the clay body, and means actuated in accordance therewith for operating the cutting means and for releasing the carriage from its normal position. v

3. Apparatus for cutting a moving clay body, including cutting means, a measuring device contacting with the moving clay,

means controlled by the measuring device for actuating the cutting means at intervals corresponding to substantially equal amounts of movement of the clay body, and means for varying the amount of movement re quired to actuate the cutting means. p

4. Apparatus for cutting a moving clay body, including a carriage movable with the clay, cutting means movable with the carriage, stationary means for operating the cutting means as the carriage is moving with the clay, and a positive driving connection from thestationary operating means, said driving connection having a portion movable with the carriage.

5. Apparatus for cutting a moving clay body, including a carriage movable with the clay, reciprocating cutting, means movable with the carriage, means for automatically operating the cutting means asthe V carriage is moving, and means for absorbing the shock incident to the stopping of the cutting means.

(5. Apparatus for on ting a movingclay body, including a carriage movable with'the clay, an'actuating frame mounted for sideise movement on the carriage, a cutter mounted onthe frame, means for moving the cutter bodilyerosswise with the cutting trameand means for changing the inclination oi the cutter during such crosswise movement. 7 I

7. Apparatus for cutting a moving clay body, including a carriage movable with the clay, abutting frame base mounted for crosswise movement'on the'carriage, vertically extending members pivoted on the base, pivoted links connecting the vertically extending members whereby a pimted cutting frame is provided, cutter pivota ly mounted onihe frame, and means for'mo ing the entire frame crosswise and lO L fto.

ofthe trams and the the frame occurs upon the same being urged crosswise, and means for urging the frame I crosswise during a movement 0f the carriage. p

9. Apparatus tor cutting a moving clav" body, ncluding a carriage movable with the clay, a cutting frame base mounted for crosswise movement on the carriage, vertically extending members pivoted on the base, pivoted links connecting the vertically extending members whereby a pivoted cutting frame is provided, a cutter-g pivotally mounted on the frame, a link connecting a vertically extending member of the frame to the carriage whereby a definite travel of the frame occursupon thesame being urged crosswise, a lever connected to the frame, the leverbeing adapted for substantially free movement in the 1 travel of the carriage, and ine-ans for neving the lever crosswise. r 7 l0. Apparatus for on ting a moving clay body, including a carriage movable from a direction of normal position with the clay to be cut, a

cutter movable with the carriage, means -tor automatically operating the cutter releasing the carriage from its normal position' and permitting it to be moved by the clay, anda counterweight for assisting the clay in moving the table. r

as the. carriage is moving with the clay, means for 11; Apparatus for cutting a moving" clay body, including a carriage movable from a normal position with the clay to be cut, a

cutter movable with the carriage, means for,

automatically operating the cutter as the carriage is moving with the clay, means for releasing the carriage fromits normal posi- .tion and permitting it to be moved by the clay, and means for assisting the clay in overcoming the inertia of the table;

12. Apparatus for cutting a mo'vingclay body, including. a carriage movable with the clay, a cutter mounted on the carriage and adapted for crosswise movement, means for moving the cutter, and means actuated by the movement of the carriage for setting the cutter operating means in operation.

r rpparatusfor cutting a 'moving clay body, including a carriagemovable with the clay, a cutter mounted on thecarriage'and adapted for: crosswise movement, means for holding the carriage against/movement by the clay, means for releasing the carriage to'permit such movement, and means actuated subsequent to suchrelease 'f-orsetting the cutter. operatingmeans in operation.

J4. -Apparatus for cuttinga moving clay bedy, including a carriage movable iii-emf a normal position with the clay, a cutter mounted on the carriage and adapted for crosswise movement, holding means for.

maintaining the table in its normal position,

a measuring device adapted to release the table and .to permit movement thereof on a predetermined travel of the clay, and means actuated by the movement of the carriage for operating thefcutter.

15. Apparatus for cutting a moving clay body, including a carriage-movable from a normal position with the clay, a cutter mounted en the carriage and adapted for crosswise ni-ovement, a wheel contacting with the clay-jandiotated thereby, a switch pera ted by the wheel and electro-magnetic means controlled by the switch'for permitting movement of the table from itsnormal position.

16. Apparatus for cutting a moving clay.

, with the clay and rotated thereby, a switch operated by the wheel, electro-magnetic .ieans controlled by the switch for permitting movement ot the table from its normal position, and a variable speed connection between the wheel and the switch.

1'7. i-ipparatus for ca sing a moving clay body, including a cutter adapted to sever the moving clay, a wheel contacting with the clay and rotated thereby, a switch operated by the wheel, and electro-magnetic means controlled by the switch for setting the cutter into operation;

18. Apparatus for cutting a moving clay body, including a cutter adapted to-sever the moving clay, a wheel contacting with the clay and rotated thereby, a switch operated by the wheel, electromagnetic means controlled by'the switch for setting the cutter into operation, and a variable speed connection between the wheel and the switch.

19. Apparatus for cutting a moving clay body, including a cutter adapted to sever the moving clay, a wheel contacting with the clay and rotated thereby, a switch operated by the wheel, ele'ctro-magnetic means controlled by the switch for setting the cutter into operation, and a variable speed connection between the wheel and the switch,

said connection including a conoi-d adapted to make surface contact at different points with a rotating portion and to communicate rotary motion.

20. Apparatus for cutting a moving clay body, including a reciprocable cutter, a reciprocable carriage movable with the clay, the cutter being adapted .for crosswise movement or" the carriage, a power source, a measuring device, holding means for the carriage, means actuated by the measuring device, for releasing the holding means means actuated by the movement or the carriage for connecting the power source to the cutter, means for disconnecting the cutter from the power source-at the end of the putter stroke, table return means, and means for connecting the power source to the table return means at the end of the table stroke.

.21. Apparatus for cutting a moving clay body, including a reciprocating carriage, a cutter on the carriage, a power source, a measuring device, a movable block con nected to and movable with the carriage, a catch for holding the block and preventing movement 01 the table, means actuated by the measuring device for releasing the catch, a device adapted to be actuated by the block andeffective "for connecting the power source to the cutter, means for disconnecting the cutter from the power source at the end of the cutter stroke, table return means, and means adapted to be actuated by the block and eii ective for connecting the power source to the table return means at the enc oir' the table stroke. I v

22. Apparatus. for cutting a'moving clay body, including a reciprocable table movable with the clay, a cutter mounted on the table and adapted for movement crosswise oi the table, a power source, a pawl and ratchet connection between the table and the power source, a pawland ratchet connection between the power source and the cuttcr, means for normally holding said pawls out of engagement with their respective ratchets, means actuated in accordance with the movement of the clay for releasing the table to permit movement thereof, means for thereafter establishing the pawl and ratchet connection between the power source and the cutter, means for breaking such connection at the end oi a cutter stroke, and means for establishingthe pawl and ratchet connection between the table and the power source at the end of the table stroke to effect a return strokeof the table. I

23. Apparatus for cutting a moving clay body, including a reciprocable table movable :irom a normal position with the clay,

a cutter mounted on the table and adapted for movement crosswise thereof, a power source, a measuring device operated in accordance with the movement of the clay, means connected with the measuring device ior releasing the table from its normal position to permit movement thereof, means for thereafter establishing a connection between the power source and the cutter to cause a movement of the cutter during the travel of the table with the clay, means for breaking such power connection after the cutter has operated, means for establishing a power connection between the power source and the table at the end of atable stroke for causing return of thetable to its normal position, and means for disconnecting the power source'from the table after the return stroke has been effected.

' 24. Apparatus for cutting a movingclay body, including a carriage movable with the clay to be cut, a cutter mounted on the carriage, a measuring device adapted to set the cutting means in operation upon a predetermined amount of movement of the'clay body, and means for adjusting the amount of movement of the clay body required to set the cutting means in operation.

25. Apparatus for cutting a moving clay body, including a carriage movable from a normal position with clay to be cut, means normally holding the carriage in such position, a cutter mounted on the carriage, a

il a' measuring device adapted to release the holding means upon 7 av predetermined amount of movement of the clay body, and means for adjusting the amount of movement of the clay body required to release the holding means. v

26. Apparatus for cutting a moving clay body, including a carriage movable from a normal position with the clay tobe out, means normally holding the carriage in such position, a cutter mounted on the carriage, a measuring device adapted to release the holding means upon a predetermined amount of movement of the clay body, means for adjusting the amount of movement of the clay body required to release the holding means, and means for automatically returning the carriage to its normal position after the cutter has operated to await a further release of the holding means. 27. Apparatus for cutting a moving clay body, including cutting means, :a measuring device contacting with the moving clay and adapted to set the cutting means in opera ter actuating means, a power source, a meas- 'uring device having connections for operatively coupling the cutter actuating means and thepower source, means for disconnecting the cutter actuating means fromthe power source at the end of a stroke, and means for varying the amount of movement of the clayrequired to cause themeasuring device to function. I v 1 In testimony whereof I'have hereunto set my hand. I a V t r ARTHUR V. A. FITZ. 

